As the 2024 mid-year transfer window nears its close, Rwandan clubs are continuing to be active on the market, both buying and selling players. With less than three weeks remaining, a lot of business has already happened, yet more is expected. A number of top players have joined various Rwandan clubs, ranging from Richmond Lamptey, a Ghanaian midfielder who signed for APR from Asante Kotoko, to Abdul Jalilu, a central defender who joined Mukura VS from Ghana’s Dreams FC. On the other hand, a number of players have left the league for opportunities abroad. In this article, Times Sport highlights five notable players who have left. 1. Sharaf Eldin Shaiboub (APR to Al Hilal Benghazi) The lanky midfielder enjoyed a successful spell with APR FC, scoring 9 goals during an unbeaten 2023/24 season for the club. Although Shaiboub had one year remaining on his contract, he requested a termination to join Libyan side Al Hilal Benghazi. He signed a two-year deal with the club for an undisclosed fee. 2. Christian Ishimwe (Police FC to Zermama) After joining Police FC following his release from APR FC, Ishimwe spent just three weeks with the Rwandan club before an offer from Moroccan side Zermama FC emerged. Police FC facilitated his move, and Ishimwe is all but a Zermama FC player for an undisclosed amount. 3. Prince Buregeya (APR FC to Al Nasiriya) The former APR captain, who had spent his entire career with the team, requested to be released in pursuit of a new challenge. Buregeya joined Iraqi club Al Nasiriya for an undisclosed fee and is expected to be a key player in their upcoming seasons. 4. Alfred Leku (Kiyovu to Kenya Police) Ugandan forward Alfred Leku, 26, left Kiyovu SC in early July by mutual consent, despite having one year left on his contract. He has since joined Kenya Premier League side Police FC for the 2024/25 season. 5. Gedeon Bendeka (Etincelles to Gor Mahia) The Congolese striker was the second-highest scorer in the 2023/24 Primus National League, netting 13 goals despite playing for a struggling Etincelles side. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, Bendeka quickly accepted an offer from Kenyan champions Gor Mahia, signing a two-year deal.
